Thursday, February 26, 2009

It will be a busy day today. We have a field trip tomorrow, so we are going to accomplish two school days into one. Which is totally do-able...we just may have to do school until (gasp!) 3 o'clock! Like every one else in the world.

I just want to share a few things with you this morning! First, and most importantly, will you pray for my friend Charity today. I am certain that our prayers are going to be what carries her as she goes back to her first graders today. I am praying for God's peace and comfort to be with her, not only strength in spirit, but strength in body. If you do pray for her today, click the link above and tell her you have done so...I know that will be such a blessing to her. AS a matter of fact, you can skip commenting here and go over there instead!

Second, I really enjoyed this post by Mer's hubby. The Mister and I read the post and both shouted AMEN!

I am saying "no" this Lenten season to computers on Fridays, and will be going "dark" for Holy Week. Anyone want to join me?

Last (ly?), and very certainly least....I have a door on my office/nest/craft room! Or what I like to call The Nest.

Here is a before picture:

And here is the glorious after:

And now for some reality...

As you know I am the clean counter queen. I like things streamlined, efficient and most importantly, clutter free.

Of course if you looked inside my min-van, or The Nest , you would wonder why I sound so brag-idocious. Clearly, I have very selective needs for control, that are not hard fast rules in every area of my life. This is what it looks like just left of the door...

And this is what it looks like when you stand at the door looking in...

I never said I didn't have issues.

When we moved here six months ago, The Nest in many ways has become the room that everything gets put into until we know what to do with it. It is also the room that I can be creative in, and (now) can shut the door when in the middle of a project, or when I need a moment to be blessedly alone.

I use this room to study in, to read my bible in, and The Girl and I spend most Friday nights in this room snuggled up on that one chair watching movies (I am actually looking for a couch or love seat to replace it...we are outgrowing the ability to sit in that one!)

Anyway, this room is next on my Attention List. I want to reorganize it to get it streamlined, efficient and clutter free. This summer I am going to paint it, girlify it, and make it completely my own.

After pictures to come!

Oh! I forgot that there is one more thing!

Yesterday I didn't post, and there was a very good reason. I had to skip the internet party in favor of a party in honor of my K sisters (and birthday girls!), K1 and K2.

Aren't they cute? See how happy they are? They are about to cruise together to the Cayman Islands...no wonder they look happy!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

I am trying a new thing over here in the La Vida Dulce household and, so far, its working. The only problem is that it has cut into my computer time.

A lot.

You see, several weeks ago I thought the answer to the self-discipline of limiting computer time, was to relegate my usage to the afternoon, from 2:30-4:30 to be exact.

Well, that didn't exactly fly. Because I would get tripped up by email, which would lead to an Internet search, which would send me to a really great blog. Which reminded me to check my blog roll, and somebody had a really good recipe, so I had to check that out too.

So my morning routine became a session in adult-onset ADD, brought on by computer technology, and great people like you.

And to make things that much worse, some of you know that I get up at a really awful time of morning, for the purpose of reading the bible while drinking piping hot coffee. However, I would get up at 5:15am, trudge bleary eyed to the coffee pot, grab a mug and sit (for just a second) to check the mail, (just so that I could wake up a little).

Two hours later, I was not refreshed for the day, but irritated that my day was now all "off."

This was causing a lot of anxiety as I tried to get a thousand things done frantically, that could have been done well, had I used my time wisely. Including writing and reading the blogs.

So I am unplugging, until I can get the first-things-first, finished. I am turning off the computer until I have what I need to accomplish for the day crossed off the list. Then I can check email and come out to play.

Until then, I'm grounded.

The good news?

If the work is done at 10 am! Alleluia!

If it doesn't get done (like yesterday) until 4:00p, well...life goes on.

I don't like to miss the party. But, I don't like feeling out of control either.

Some of you may read this and think, "What is her problem? Just turn the computer off and get on with your day."

I've noticed that once I get into the habit of allowing myself to become distracted in one area of life it leads to distraction in others.

I am noticing that self-discipline is no respecter of persons.

Just because you have been self-disciplined in the past, doesn't mean it will come easy in the future.

I was emailing a friend of mine on this subject, and came to the conclusion that self-discipline actually feels harder the older I get, which makes me desire to take hold of what I can now, lest I get so out of self-discipline shape, I forget how to flex that muscle!

I really love blogging. I don't think I have to give it up. Nor would I want to. But I have to think of blogging as a party. (I love parties!) A really good party, that is going on all. the. time. I just need to remember that life isn't all about parties.

Sometimes you have to go home and rest awhile.

And do some laundry.

So that is my plan: To turn off the computer until I have time to play!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

This morning its cool outside, but the sun is shining so beautifully. So I thought I would post a few links I think you'd enjoy, and then go for a nice long walk. Especially since the forecast is calling for snow on Sunday.

Lindsey is Sammy's mom and I love reading her blog because I have always had a heart for young mom's (even before I had my own!). Lindsey probably isn't too much younger than me, but her Sammy is a toddler and I have such a heart for mom's with babies and toddlers. Those early years are fun, but not easy! Anyway, Sammy reminds me so much of The Boy when he was at that age, so it's fun to read about what's going on over there!

Thanks for the Awards Lindsey!

Now for the links!

This post had me laughing so hard. However the more I thought about it, the more I thought that maybe I shouldn't post it, because her service to her man raises the bar exceedingly high!

When you get done reading meh's post, click on over to Jen's post on Answered Prayer. Such a good reminder that God cares about the details in our life.

Friday, February 20, 2009

I have random things that I want to tell you. I should really save them for next Tuesdays What I Learned This Week, but if I don't tell you right now, I'll forget:

~For almost a week now I have wondered why it smells like oranges in my kitchen when I do dishes. It was driving me crazy. I love oranges, and when we had a garbage disposal my sink would sometimes smell like citrus when someone threw a peel in the sink. But we don't have one here. You would have laughed out loud watching me try to figure out where that mystery smell was coming from...Turns out my dishwashing liquid is orange scented.

~When you are trying to be too quick in the kitchen, you might want to look at the container before you shake cinnamon on your oatmeal. It may very well be taco seasoning.

~The world is not as big as we think it is. Either is the World Wide Web. Someday you might click on a carnival hosted by Musings of a Housewife, and read through Mr. Linky's List. You might click on a blog and realize that the writer not only lives in your neighborhood, but she coaches your daughters basketball team. Which is funny because I had been planning a post on how the kids both got excellent coaches this year. Lisa and Duck (Coach, to us) have been awesome. And I'm not just saying that because Lisa is reading. If you know me in real life, I don't give compliments I don't mean. Basketball season is almost over, but I hope to get to know Lisa better.

~Twittering is super fun. I love having to pare my thoughts down to 140 character or less. And y'all know I have a lot of words.

~I actually turned my computer completely off yesterday. Oh liberation! I am actually going to post this entry and do it again. However...

~I don't think I have ever enjoyed this blogging/twittering community more. I heard from several people this week (two that I know in real life and one blogger friend) that they have been encouraged by reading, and that makes me feel happy...and humbled. Words are important, and I hope that my words will always be edifying and encouraging to those around me. I know that won't always be true (those who have been on the receiving end of my not-so-encouraging-words are nodding their heads.) But I'm grateful that I can write about who I am (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and y'all come back anyway.

~On the flip side, it is really amazing to listen to those of you who have blogs, and see God working in your lives. To hear how you are living, loving and learning through sickness, tragedy, joy, work, diaper-changes, deployment, budgeting, cooking, tweeting, moving, recuperating, prayer, depression, and change. I love hearing how God is doing a beautiful work in each of you, and He is using your writing to change me too. Many of you are struggling, but your struggle has not been for nothing.

Listen, spring is coming, friends! The winter is almost over! You all have encouraged me in some way, through laughter and tears...I am grateful we can pray and "type" to warmer days together!

~Lastly, (because this is longer than I thought it would be and I don't have time to go back and edit) can I tell you a secret? I did something I have been wanting to do for a couple years now, but only made time for it recently. I'm taking an adult tap class. I tapped for many many years growing up, and taught classes in college, but it's been awhile. And I am LOVING it! I was never a very good tapper, but now the pressure is totally off. It's just me and 20 other middle aged ladies trying to have some fun!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

You see, I suddenly realized that there is no toilet paper in the house (again) and it occurred to me that my Personal Shopper has not been good about keeping our shelves stocked. I am going to have to have a talk with her.

Not only that, but the Chef has not made a single edible meal this week, and the Housekeeper is MIA. Honestly, I think it just so rude. I mean, she hasn't even called.

The Driver has let the gas tank get three-quarters empty and I am afraid the gas light indicator may start to blink at me very soon.

My Personal Trainer hasn't been motivating me like I need to be motivated. It really isn't fair. I wish watching those aerobics shows on cable would count for something.

The Tutor has been doing a decent job with the children, but yesterday while I was preparing for a light lunch with Charity, (we ate in the Conservatory and then we sipped coffee in the sitting room), she called for a "Reading Day". I am definitely going to talk with her on this. For heavens sake, we are talking about the education of my children!

The Gardner told me that the leaves in yard would be taken care of, as well as the grass seed for the coming spring. But she has refused to schedule a specific date or time. She just keeps telling me that it's a busy time of year.

Certainly her time isn't any more precious than mine!

To top it all off, the Dog Trainer was a no-show yesterday and the puppy had several accidents on the carpet. I should have just hired Cesar like I had wanted to in the first place, but no, I second guessed myself and look at where it's got me.

Oh y'all! I just can't get over it...with the staff all missing, I will have to do all this work MYSELF.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

~A big shout out to Darcie and Jeff for making me a special Twitter button (it's on the right. Go on, click it...I know you want to.) I just love how it matches my blog design. I love how it has four, 18* oz cups, all clean and stacked high. It just says "come on over and stay awhile" which is how I want y'all to feel when you come to visit.

(*I don't mess around when it comes to coffee cups. 6-8 oz cups require too much running back and forth to the kitchen)

~Speaking of visiting, I am having a friend over for lunch today. Its rainy and cold, so I am thinking of something I could serve her that is warm and delicious. Oh the possibilities...

~It just occurred to me that I drink 36 oz of coffee every morning. And on cold days, I make another half a pot to keep me warm. Uh, thats a lot of coffee.

~Sometimes, when I make that second pot, I do use half decaf. Just so you know.

~This morning I am not in the best mood. The kids, who have never really done much fighting with each other have started to bicker a bit. This is new for me and it makes me a little insane, and honestly they picked the wrong time of the month to drive me insane.

~Todays drive to insanity was a quick trip, and I completely threatened them with a spanking for bickering (which I have not done in a very LONG time.) I can't even remember the last time I spanked them...

~Normally, I make it a point not to make empty threats (especially since I would rather go to the dentist than spank them) but this morning it was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

~The truth is I have been blessed with good kids who aren't perfect, but try really hard to be obedient and respectful. They love each other, but they are kids. I just seem to have a very short fuse this morning.

~Maybe I need more coffee. To wash down some Midol.

~Hmm...I had a few other things I wanted to tell you while I had the chance. The kids are doing independent work, so I had ten minutes to post....but I can't remember what I was going to write.

~Oh well, on a morning like this, saying nothing is probably better anyway!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

For those of you that are new here, this summer I had the privilege of meeting Constance (of FindingBalance) and Travis, co-founders of True Campaign. A ministry that is dear to my heart. A ministry I hope to be more active in when God says the time is right...

Constance emailed me last week to check in and I was finally able to acknowledge, and put into words, exactly what has been swirling in my heart for the last seven months.

The short story is that I have finally come to peace about the humble ministry to which I have been called.

For the longer version, here is part of the email I wrote to Constance...it's what I've learned this week:

I have been praying for awhile about what ministry God was leading me to. He has blessed me with many talents: I can (and have) lead small groups, taught bible studies, mentored in areas that I have experience, and led worship. I loved all of it. However, they are all gifts that bring attention to myself. Most of them all have to do with performing (in one way or the other)...and stroking my ego just a bit. I was approaching them with the idea of helping others, but also with the kickback of "being noticed" in mind.

So you can imagine my surprise, when after praying for many, many weeks about my role in ministry, I was surprised that His answer was consistently-- "Your family."

I really think that the Lord is using this time to burn away the chaff. To break the pride that motivates me to use the gifts he has given to promote myself.

He had to intervene, and teach me how to get out of the way of myself.

There has been nothing more humbling for me than homeschooling (probably because there wasn't anyone more judgmental in the past about home-schoolers than I was!)

There isn't anyone around telling me what a great teacher I am. No one to stroke my ego and let me know I am doing a good job. I am daily having to lay down my wants and desires to serve my family. My time is not my own, I cannot go to the gym everyday, nor have lunch with girlfriends whenever I want. My days are no longer solely in my control!

On top of that, I am an extrovert with deep insecurities. I have hidden those insecurities with a people-pleaser- I- can-do- it -all- attitude for so long, I didn't realize how it controlled me. I am always so afraid of what people think of me, that I let it rule my days. I find myself battling my own presuppositions regarding home-schoolers, not many of which are true. But I digress...

The most difficult part was God was telling me to "wait". Not just for your ministry, but even the Women's MInistry that I led here four years ago. He has put the reigns on me like never before, and its hard. But its good.

I am learning that I depend far too much on my God-given talents than I do on God. I depend on the kudos and praises of "man" instead of the love of God. I am learning that the bright lights of center stage aren't as rewarding as the humble position of being the doorkeeper...but I haven't learned that the easy way....I am stubborn, and my ego and flesh have been well fed for many, many years...

I should have contacted you sooner. But i just kept hoping God would let me know that I had learned what I needed to learn, and give me the thumbs-up to tell you that I could jump in with both feet.

I was so CERTAIN it was the right time, because God had so finely tuned our meeting, and the meeting with Travis, and the eight weeks of writing the True Campaign stuff on the blog....and the response and conversation that all those things had sparked (and continues to spark) with people on the net and in real life. I just knew my day had come!

And it has...it just looks a lot different than I thought it would.

As difficult as yielding myself to the Lord has been, I am finally feeling peace about where God has me.

Learning this lesson still has a bit of a sting to it. Dealing with pride is never painless...but the fruits of pruning are beginning to feel worth it...

I know that there will be a day when I can be more active in FindingBalance and the True Campaign. I look forward to that day. Until then, I am content.

Monday, February 16, 2009

When The Mister got home I told him I had drawn up a huge plan for a raised garden that would require him going to the Home Depot, on a weekend (his least favorite time), and buying copious amounts of wood and other supplies.

He didn't even flinch. He didn't complain, or tell me of his other plans for his extra day off. He looked at my pencil sketch, made suggestions on how we could make my idea better, made his own supply list, and went to the store.

(Yes, I readily admit that I am spoiled. Its a fun job, but somebody's got to do it.)

Last night he built one of three beds. He will finish the other two today.

I am so excited I can hardly stand it!

Now, I have to tell you that while I love playing in the dirt, gardening has never really been my forte. As a matter of fact, if plants were people, I'd be in jail. When it comes to plant killing, I'm a multiple offender.

Which doesn't seem right, because my mother (and her mother) both could grow a mean garden. I should be able to keep a garden because my gene pool is heavily weighted in the green thumb department. My mom could grow the most productive garden out of the desert earth that was in her backyard.

Surely, I can grow a few little vegetables in this beautiful place. Especially with the amazing raised beds The Mister built.

I am going to give it all I've got. I'm going to do everything by-the-book. Then I'm going to pray like crazy!

You know, it amazes me how a little warm weather can change my outlook on almost everything. Just when I thought I might go a little crazy with cold weather, it turned around for a bit. The daffodil buds are starting to pop-up and fill my heart with anticipation for spring.

Hope.

It's life changing. Isn't it?

I am not the only one excited about The Mister's return. The Girl has been practicing her bike riding skills every afternoon. She asked last night if she could show her daddy how she can ride RIGHT when he gets home. Unfortunately, by the time we get him home from the airport it will be dark, so it will have to wait until Saturday morning. I have tried several times to upload video, but Blogger is being funny...grrr.

The Boy has been able to ride a bike for years, but the bike he is currently riding is The Mister's childhood bike: a Mongoose. When we were living in AZ my father-in-law gave it to The Boy, and he thinks its so cool to be able to ride the bike his Dad rode all over that southern Arizona town.

I've sort bounced all over the place today haven't I...so I'll bounce one more time. I finally caved to peer pressure. I opened a Twitter account: @LaVidaCoffeeGal. I am in the process of getting a new phone. We still have our Texas cell phones from three moves (and six years) ago! But hopefully within the next week or so that will change!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

It all started almost a year ago when I searched high and low for a plain razor. A no-muss, no-fuss, no extra-moisturizing strip. A plain ole' razor.

After finding myself looking through every department and drug store within a 2500 mile radius, I've come to the conclusion that they just don't make them anymore.

Ok, maybe that last statement was a bit of an exaggeration. The exact mileage from my front door in Arizona to the front door to where I live now is only 2105.57 miles. And they do, in fact, make razors that don't have a strip. It's just that those razor's are always a generic brand, and they will cut you up like a wood chipper on a good day.

Oh, and if you leave them in the shower for half a second, they rust.

I'm not even kidding.

You can imagine I was getting tired of shredding my legs to bits with rusty razors, so I bit the bullet and bought those expensive ones with the lubricating strip. Which I personally feel is a gimmick, but what could I do? The people at Gillette had me by the legs.

I don't like that sneaky, slick strip for one reason alone: I swear they dull the blade quicker, ensuring that I will go through them twice as fast, forcing me to buy more! I know what you're thinking. Your thinking that my corse, crazy-growing hair could be the part of the problem, but I am telling you, it's just not so.

I could cry defeat, wave my white flag, and turn my eyes from a scheme, but its the principle, you know? You have to know what to fight for.

About three weeks ago I decided to take a bold stand... if you saw my legs right now, you would know how bold.

As some of you know our home in AZ has yet to sell. As a result I have resorted to waxing my own eyebrows. My sister-in-law, and AZ hair guru, told me what to buy and it's been working like a charm.

There were a few times I wasn't sure I would walk out of the bathroom with all my eyelashes, but for the most part, my gig working with wax has been successful, and has saved me a monthly expense.

I got to thinking... if I could wax my own eyebrows, how hard could it be to wax my own legs?

Famous last thoughts.

Let's just say its not exactly easy. Which is why my left lower leg now looks like a sorry dog with the mange.

Oh, and one loaf of white bread. With the crusts cut off. Mix, Refrigerate (for at least an hour, overnight if possible), spread, cut into 1/4's and serve.

I learned that I may never get over my Mayo and White Bread issues: even though I omitted the mayo, my mind couldn't get over the mayonnaise look of the filling. Which made me think it tasted like mayo, although everybody who tasted it said it didn't....I also found myself apologizing to some friends about the two large loaves of white bread sitting on my counter. As if having white bread in the house was a horrible sin. However, the 3 pound bag of m&m's sitting in the cupboard I have no shame over...

I decided that once batch would be good, but three batches would be BETTER. So after many dozens of sandwiches, I still have a ton of this filling in my fridge. If you want it, its yours!

I have learned (again) that meeting new friends takes a pinch of effort, but a big heaping scoop of courage. People assume its easy for me to bring people together, or to make friends because God has gifted me with the talents to do such things. But it isn't easy. As a matter of fact, the older I become the more difficult it is...This week I had my friend (and running partner), Elisa, come over for lunch and invited another gal, Allison, who is a new friend I am excited to get to know better. They are both homeschooling Mom's and were such an encouragement to me this past Friday. I can't wait to do it again!

I have learned that if you spend 15 minutes typing a post while allowing your puppy to run amuck, you will have a mess of brown construction paper to clean up when you are finished.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Deep and important things, like, you know, chin whiskers and why I can no longer find a razor blade without that weird lubricating strip (this is driving me bus-a-louie).

I want to write about the puppy, and cucumber sandwiches, and how privileged I was to see the little, itt-bitty, teeny-tiny- church I am a member of, show what they're made of this weekend. It may be small in numbers, but they allow God to work within the body in God-big ways.

I want to tell you The Girl's good news! (hint: she no longer has to be ashamed of training wheels).

I want to share with you the fabric I am looking at for Easter outfits, and tell you about how in just a few short weeks I will get to sit face to face with friends in Texas, and Michigan, and Arizona.

I want to tell you how The Mister accuses me of doing the alligator roll with the blankets at night. And to let you know it is not completely true.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

We have friends that are in need of prayer. Their hearts are broken in ways that I haven't experienced, but I know that somehow, even though I cannot begin to understand or remotely see, God will prevail.

I was reminded this morning that we have the great promises of God in Revelation 21:4:

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Why do bad things happen to good people? There isn't one good answer that can assuage my heart in this moment...but I do know this: God's word says that He loves us.

I've been a Christian for a long time now, but that doesn't mean that I don't question trials. Being a Christian doesn't mean I don't ask questions when it feels like God has turned His face away; or wonder what on earth His plan could be. But I know that His promises are true.

When I see hard things happen to good people, I take comfort in Romans 8:35, 38-39:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We can question. We can cry. We can wonder what God is doing when the unexpected happens, but through all the unknowing we can rest in His love.

I was reading a chapter of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver, and this paragraph says it all:

Trials are real. Bad things happen-to good people and bad people alike. And we who are Christian don't escape life, Paul says. We overcome life: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."(Romans 8:37)

In all these things...we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us...

Oh Lord, may it be as you have promised for our heart-broken friends...